In a recent this conversation on the Foster Friendly Podcast, Sophia Pantoja—who spent 11 years in foster care and aged out at 21—shares what it was like to move through placements, what she wishes adults understood about her behavior, and…
When a young person ages out of foster care, the system often expects them to figure out adulthood alone. But as Sensei Dave Armstrong makes clear, what changes a life is not perfection or having all the answers—it’s one consistent,…
The podcast crew at America’s Kid’s Belong recently celebrated its 100th episode and welcomed new cohost, Kristin Allender. Kristin is the new CEO at America’s Kids Belong and brings a lot of experience in the foster care and adoption space…
Staying Present in the “Messy Middle” After nearly six years with America’s Kids Belong and the Foster Friendly Podcast, Courtney Williams is stepping into a new chapter. In a special farewell episode, Brian and Travis celebrated Courtney’s influence as a…
This blog comes from a recent conversation on The Foster Friendly Podcast. When Judy Wright was asked, “Would you please just hold her until she dies?” she said “yes.” That decision led to one of the most extraordinary foster care stories…
When it comes to foster care, there’s a depth of experience that often goes unnoticed or unspoken—especially around grief and loss. Many people see successful stories—kids who graduate, find stability, or thrive in new environments—and assume their journey is complete.…
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to be a foster parent? Or how ordinary people step into extraordinary roles to support vulnerable children? If these questions resonate with you, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll shed light…
Learn some valuable tips to getting started on your journey!
At its core, the I Belong Project™ is about more than photos and videos. Every child enjoys a fun-filled day, filled with unique experiences that allow their personalities to shine. Through trauma-informed storytelling, the resulting video profiles are shared to…
Are you contemplating foster care but unsure where to start? Or maybe you’re already a foster parent seeking guidance on managing the challenges? This blog post distills expert insights and practical tips from Laura, the Foster Parent Partner, a well-known…
At its core, the I Belong Project™ is about more than photos and videos. Every child enjoys a fun-filled day, filled with unique experiences that allow their personalities to shine. Through trauma-informed storytelling, the resulting video profiles are shared to…
FOSTER CARE AWARENESS MONTH Every May we recognize Foster Care Awareness Month (FCAM). It’s a month of awareness and reflection, and a time to correct misconceptions, elevate the voices of those with lived experience, and call people to action. The…
